Pet Friendly Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are often referred to as a pet-friendly tropical wonderland. As you cruise down the Overseas Highway, with the sparkling Gulf of Mexico on one side and the majestic Atlantic Ocean on the other, there are plenty of viewpoints to stop and stroll with your pet. And once you arrive there are many more pet-friendly things to do, creating new adventures and memories. They say the further south you travel, the friendly it gets for your pets!
Key Largo Pet-Friendly Activities
Starting in Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater park in the US and home to tropical fish, colorful coral and the Statue of Christ of the Abyss is a pet-friendly park. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, however, there are plenty of trails to hike and picnic spots in mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park in Key Largo has nature trails to walk your dog and an off-leash dog park.
- The Rain Barrel Sculpture Gallery is an artist’s enclave along Highway 1, a fun place to visit where your pet will be warmly welcomed.
- Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological Park in Islamorada features ancient fossilized coral formations and trails for hiking with your pet.
- The cool waters of Anne’s Beach, a quaint dog-friendly beach, is the perfect place to cool off afterward.
- Another pet-friendly attraction in Islamorada is Theatre of the Sea, a marine animal park with salt-water lagoons and lush tropical gardens. Feed the tarpon at Robbie’s Marina or visit the dolphins at The Dolphin Research Center.
Marathon FL The Most Pet-Friendly Key!
Marathon is the Heart of the Keys and very pet-friendly. Some top attractions include:
- Curry Hammock State Park is a beautiful tropical habitat that welcomes your pet, featuring one of the largest populations of thatch palm forests with plenty of tropical wildlife viewing.
- Sombrero Beach, is a beautiful sandy beach, the perfect stopover to throw a stick and swim in the turquoise waters.
- Coco Plum Beach has over a mile of sandy beaches for your four-legged friends to enjoy. The water is shallow here so swimming isn’t recommended, however, your pet will love to romp in the shallows and play catch. Expect to meet other dog owners and dogs here.
Cross the Seven Mile Bridge into the Lower Keys to Bahia Honda State Park, referred to as one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Stroll through the scenic National Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key, acres of undeveloped pine wilderness where deer roam. Stay away from the turtle refuge area and the alligators at the water’s edge of Blue Hole.
Key West Pet-Friendly Things to Do
Key West is a dog lover’s town where many of the restaurants and stores will welcome both you and your pet. Just watch for the feral chickens that roam the streets!
- Higgs Beach Dog Park has a fenced in area for off-lease activities and Key West Dog Beach is a favorite.
- Refresh yourself and your pet on the patio of the pet-friendly Louie’s Backyard.
- Explore Fort Zachary Taylor State Park, however, there is no pet access to the beach.
- Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens have beautiful peaceful trails to explore with your pet and Key West Aquarium and Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum both welcome pets.
- For something different, rent a kayak to explore the waters with your pet to a private island dog park, visit Ernest Hemingway’s home, now a sanctuary of more than 60 cats or enjoy the craziness of the Pet Masquerade and Parade at Fantasy Fest each October.
There are so many places to explore and things to do in the Florida Keys with your pet so why not bring them along? Here at CoCo Plum, we love your furry friends, as much as you do and that is why we offer comfortable pet-friendly vacation rentals throughout the Keys. Browse and book online today!
